The Hagia Sophia is unique in that it started life as a church and was converted to a mosque during Ottoman times. The interior highlights facets from both periods.

We entered the main chamber and admired the dome and decorative plaques featuring Arabic calligraphy. Human imagery is not allowed in active mosques. These plaques are the equivalent of the statues and frescoes that adorn many churches.

Chandeliers were added to bring light to the heavy and dark interior. Architects broke ground on the Hagia Sophia almost 1500 years ago in 532 AD.

Marble columns and marble vessels were key features of the space.

Upstairs, we saw gold mosaics featuring the former emperor and his family.

This set of stairs (minbar) shows the Muslim side of the Hagia Sophia. The imam would have spoken from halfway up the steps. The top of the steps is reserved for God.